CRI and Jiangsu Sailboat Commence Operation of CO2-to-Methanol Facility

On September 25, a momentous event unfolded at the Shenghong Petrochemical Industrial Park in China—an opening ceremony that marked a significant milestone in the global pursuit of enhancing sustainable methanol production. This collaborative endeavor brought together diverse teams from around the world, culminating in the remarkable feat of bringing the methanol plant to life in less than two years from the initial contract signing. The successful completion of this project underscores the global commitment to addressing a shared environmental challenge, with Iceland's pioneering technical expertise and technology playing a pivotal role in this innovative solution.

At the heart of this groundbreaking initiative is the Jiangsu Sailboat Methanol plant, which operates using CRI's proprietary emissions-to-liquids (ETL) technology. This cutting-edge technology is instrumental in transforming waste carbon dioxide and hydrogen gases into a valuable resource—sustainable, commercial-grade methanol. The facility is strategically designed to recycle 150,000 tons per year of carbon dioxide drawn from waste streams within the expansive petrochemical complex.

Notably, the plant boasts an impressive production capacity, with the capability to yield 100,000 tons per year of sustainable methanol. It stands as the second-largest CO2-to-methanol plant on a global scale. The primary purpose of this methanol production is to supply the olefins facility, where it will serve as a critical ingredient in the production of chemical derivatives. These derivatives include sustainable plastics and EVA coatings, primarily utilized in solar panels.

Qian Xinhua, the Vice President of Shenghong Petrochemical Industry Group, expressed the significance of this green industrial value chain project, hailing it as a substantial leap forward. He emphasized the project's utilization of advanced green and low-carbon technology to capture and repurpose carbon dioxide, effectively converting it into a valuable resource.

Furthermore, this technology paves the way for the integration of green hydrogen, renewable energy, and other innovative elements to craft new materials, thereby replacing traditional raw materials used in the chemical industry. This not only enhances the sustainability of the industry but also aligns it with global environmental goals.

With the successful launch of the Sailboat plant, CRI's ETL technology portfolio now boasts the impressive capacity to recycle over 300,000 tons per year of carbon dioxide. The plant's significant production capacity and its role in driving sustainability across diverse sectors underscore the pivotal role of innovative technologies in advancing environmental stewardship. This achievement signifies the company's dedication to advancing sustainable practices and further solidifies its position as a trailblazer in transforming waste gases into valuable resources, ultimately contributing to a greener and more sustainable future.